Reason for Leaving Your Job? How to Answer This Interview Question Right

Blog, Interview Preparation

By Lisa Rangel

I was asked the same interview prep question three times last week. They all more or less went like this:"I have a simple question. I was let go from my job this week. The reason was because: A) I had a conflict with my boss that came to a head.OrB) I was a whistleblower on a wrong practice my department was doing and instead of fixing it they let me go.OrC) My department was moved to Cincinnati and I could have gone, but I'm sick of doing this job.What do I say for my "reason for leaving (RFL)" my job?"A simple question. Yes. Simple to ask.Not so simple to answer.Can you see why?Everyone's situation is different.There isn't a one-size-fits-all reason-for-leaving answer.These are the unique points you need to consider when practicing your reason for leaving:

Were you there a long time or a short time?

Is this really the only time you had a conflict with your boss or has it been ongoing?

Will they give or not give you a good reference?

Are you looking to stay in the same field or do a career change?

It's these answers that help us devise a RFL.The "Reason for Leaving" answer has to make sense for your situation.For instance, you cannot say you left because you want a career change when you're interviewing for the same job.Constructing a truthful, diplomatic and sensical RFL is a real thing a job seeker must do to advance in the interview process.You can't just wing it and expect someone like me to give you a one-sized-fits-all answer.To learn how to come up with a unique answer that will work for you and get you to the next stage in the interview, get your copy of our interview prep training and eBook to be sure you don't waste another interview opportunity by not being prepared:http://chameleonresumes.com/interview-bundleYou will love being prepared for this question - the one you hope they don't ask, but you knoooowwww they will ask.Be ready and move forward,Lisa

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Lisa Rangel & the Chameleon Resumes team is the only Executive Resume Writing, LinkedIn Profile Development & Job Search Coaching consultancy firm hired by LinkedIn and recognized by Forbes as a Top 100 Career Website.